RUGBY WORLD CUP: Sunday 2 October

02.10.2011
Argentina 25, Georgia 6 in Palmerston North (World Cup, Pool B)
New Zealand 79, Canada 15 in Wellington (World Cup, Pool A)
Wales 66, Fiji 0 in Hamilton (World Cup, Pool D)
Ireland 36, Italy 6 in Dunedin (World Cup, Pool C)

Briefly
I saw Argentina defeat Georgia Sunday. On that performance I can’t see them holding the All Blacks. But then the whole basis of the All Blacks has changed with the injury to Dan Carter.

New Zealand put in a very good performance against the Canadians. Full credit to the North Americans. They have been one of the form teams of the tier 2 nations.

Wales overwhelmed Fiji and Ireland showed they are going to be a force to reckon with at the quarter-finals stage.

After the weekend’s results the quarter finalist are now known

08.10.2011
Ireland v Wales in Wellington (World Cup Quarter-final 1)
England v France in Auckland (World Cup Quarter-final 2)

09.10.2011
South Africa v Australia in Wellington (World Cup Quarter-final 3)
New Zealand v Argentina in Auckland (World Cup Quarter-final 4)

RUGBY WORLD CUP: South Africa 13, Samoa 5

 

My goodness, what a match! For the last 15 minutes we sat on the edge of our seats (and often standing and shouting) as the Samoan rugby team did everything to breach the South African defence.

I watched this amazing game in the mini movie theatre my brother-in-law has built in Foxton, New Zealand. We had the big screen all to ourselves.

This was a pulsating match to watch. South Africa were ahead 13-0 mid way through the first half. They were in control. They were pushing the Samoans in the scrum and stealing lineout ball. It wasn’t looking good for the Islanders.

But Samoa upped their game in the second half. They began to hold in the scrums, began winning their own ball in the lineouts and began to find little chinks in the solid South African defence.

The last quarter was as an exciting period of play you would find in any test match. Equal to the Ireland-Australia encounter. It was not to be for Samoa South Africa just holding on, winning the game, and sending an exhausted but proud Samoan team out of the tournament. It was the stuff that makes this game the best football game in the world.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Results 24-27 Sept.

27.11.2011Canada 23, Japan 23 in Napier (Pool A)
Italy 27, United States 10 in Nelson ( Pool C)

26.09.2011Wales 81, Namibia 7 in New Plymouth (Pool D)

25.09.2011Samoa 27, Fiji 7 in Auckland (Pool D)
Ireland 62, Russia 12 in Rotorua (Pool C)
Argentina 13, Scotland 12 in Wellington (Pool B)

24.09.2011England 67, Romania 3 in Dunedin (Pool B)
New Zealand 37, France 17 in Auckland (Pool A)

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Results Sunday 25 September

Samoa 27, Fiji 7 in Auckland (Pool D)
Argentina 13, Scotland 12 in Wellington (Pool B)
Ireland 62, Russia 12 in Rotorua ( Pool C)

RUGBY WORLD CUP: South Africa 87, Namibia 0

22.09.2011
Review Well I predicted a win to South Africa by 75 so I wasn’t far out. The last two tries looked very easy for South Africa and I was pleased the game ended when it did. The Namibians were boxing well out of their class and the effort was really telling late in the game.
South Africa won easily in the end but I had to admire the way the Namibians stuck to the task almost throughout. It was pleasing to see the Namibians emerge at the end of the game to do a ‘thank you’ lap in recognition of the supporters who turned out for them.
Pics below
 
On the bus heading towards the ground. Tricia, from East Coast Bays, is supporting Namibia.


Well, why not? I support the underdogs. The bus had a large contingent of South Africa supporters heading towards the park. A group of families thoroughly enjoying the night out. Very noisy, very happy and plenty of humour.
 
Outside the ground the ‘Auckland City Dukes’ a group of Capetown South Africans made the most of the evening with music and song. Not only did they agree to pose for me they also started up the music
.

Pieter Skinner, left, from Whangarei, was hosting friends from South Africa. Second from left were, Frans Venter from Thabazimbi, Keith Richter from Durban and Danie Van Niekierk also from Durban. The head gear represents  the springbox, an antelope, which is the symbol of South African rugby. In the days when the Springbox team toured, a mounted head of a springbox animal was presented to the first provincial or club side who defeated the touring South African team. 


Plenty of crowd support for both teams. The ground was at near capacity. More South African supporters than Namibian. The North Shore of Auckland has a very sizeable South African community.


At the end of the game the Namibian team stayed on the field and then did a lap of thanks to all the supporters for their team. A very nice and welcomed gesture greeting with cheers and applause from the crowd.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: South Africa v Namibia, Pool D

22.09.2011
Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Preview These Southern African neighbours have only meet once before in a test match. As a warm-up for both teams before the 2007 Rugby World Cup, South Africa won 105-13 in Capetown.
Of all the matches between the minnows and the leading sides at this world cup, this match has the potential to produce a blowout score. Namibia has lost two games so far by nearly 50 points to Samoa and Fiji. The Namibians found those to be tough games and this encounter means there will be not let up.
Namibia has a toughness and precision about their play that was evident firstly in 2007 and has continued in this tournament despite leaking nearly 50 points in each game so far. They will be playing for pride against their close neighbour. The relationship between South Africa and Namibia is a bit like that between Australia and New Zealand. Close cousins but once a scrap starts in the backyard it can get a little nasty. The Namibians will need to play outside their skins if they are going to match their neighbours in any facet of play. I wish them luck.
South Africa will not be fielding their top side. Make no mistake the South Africans are tough players, almost ruthless. They will not be wearing kid gloves when they take on the Namibians. Players will be out to impress the coach before the tough end of this tournament begins. Competition for places is tough.
GWC Rugby Rankings. World Table-South Africa 1st, Namibia 19th
Africa Table-South Africa 1st, Namibia 2nd
IRB Ranking Points South Africa 86.71, Namibia 61.24
Prediction: South Africa by 75 points
Teams

South Africa 15 Patrick Lambie, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn , 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Willem Alberts, 5 Danie Rossouw, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit, Capt., 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Francois Louw, 19 Heinrich Brüssow, 20 Fourie du Preez, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Juan de Jongh
Head Caoch: Pieter de Villiers

Namibia 15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Danie Dames, 13 Danie van Wyk, 12 Piet van Zyl,
11 Heine Bock, 10 Theuns Kotze, 9 Eugene Jantjies, 8 Jacques Nieuwenhuis, 7 Jacques Burger, Capt. 6 Tinus du Plessis, 5 Nico Esterhuyse, 4 Heinz Koll,
3 Marius Visser, 2 Bertus O'Callaghan, 1 Johnnie Redelinghuys.
Replacements 16 Hugo Horn, 17 Jane du Toit, 18 PJ van Lill, 19 Rohan Kitshoff, 20 Ryan de la Harpe, 21 Darryl de la Harpe, 22 Conrad Marais
Head Coach: Johan Diergaardt

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Results Sat. 17 Sept.

17.09.2011
Ireland 15, Australia 6 in Auckland (World Cup, Pool C)
South Africa 49, Fiji 3 in Wellington (World Cup, Pool D)
Argentina 43, Romania 8 in Invercargill (World Cup, Pool B)

Briefly
Ireland, Ireland, Ireland! What an amazing game! As a spectacle it lived up to everything you would want. I saw the game at Eden Park. I was there, soaking it all up. What you would not have seen on TV were the scenes after the game. Most Irish fans just stayed and began THE party of all time in the park. I stayed on because it was just an amazing atmosphere. Then, after 20 minutes or so, the whole Irish squad emerged to applaud the crowd support. So off the fans went again. I have never experienced anything like that. That was, for me, another of those 'right up there' rugby experiences.

In this mornings papers the other games, won easily by Argentina and South Africa, emphasized the difficulty the minnow teams of backing up their initial grand efforts. This week we have seen big scores posted against Japan, by the All Blacks, and yesterday against Fiji, by South Africa, and finally by Argentina, against Romania.

So this indicates that the business end of the Pool stages is well in hand and the favoured teams pulling through with comfortable wins. Except Ireland, who won well against Australia to cause the first major upset of the tournament. It now throws Pool C wide open.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: South Africa v Fiji Pool D

17.09.2011

Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Preview
One of the games we have been waiting for. Who can forget that fantastic rugby test match in 2007 when Fiji took on the mighty Springbox and gave them one hell of a fright. South Africa eventually won and went on to win the World Cup.

Two things. This time round South Africa will be expecting what Fiji can do so there will be no ambush. Secondly, South Africa have injury worries more than any other team at this World Cup. Locks are walking wounded. South Africa will not be up to full strength for this game. And if you want a third, South Africa were ambushed by Wales in the first game. Wales should have won. South Africa were lucky to get away with the win.

Fiji will be Fiji. Run the ball at the South African's all day and make their, at times cumbersome, pack move until they drop.

I'm off to Eden Park to see the Australia-Ireland game but I will watch this game before I go to the ground, which lucky old me, is just around the corner.

Previous Encounters
07.10.2007 South Africa 37-20 in Marseilles (World Cup, Quarter final)
02.07.1996 South Africa 48-18 in Prestoria

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-South Africa 1st, Fiji 13th

IRB Ranking Points
South Africa 86.71, Fiji 71.10

Prediction: South Africa by 14

Teams

South Africa15 Patrick Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Odwa Ndungane, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Danie Rossouw, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit, Capt. 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements
16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 François Louw, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 François Hougaard, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Juan de Jongh
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers











Fiji15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Gaby Lovobalavu, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Naipolioni Nalaga, 10 Waisea Sedre Luveniyali, 9 Neemia Kenatale, 8 Sakiusa Matadigo, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Dominiko Maiwiriwiri Waqaniburotu, 5 Wame Lewaravu, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Deacon Manu, Capt 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Replacements
16 Talemaitoga Dautu Tuapati, 17 Waisea Nailago, 18 Netani Edward Talei, 19 Sisa Koyamaibole, 20 Vitori Tomu Buatava, 21 Nicky Little, 22 Ravai Fatiaki
Head Coach: Samuela Domoni

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Results Wednesday 14 Sept.

Canada 25, Tonga 20 in Whangarei (World Cup, Pool A)
Scotland 15, Georgia 6 in Invercargill (World Cup, Pool B)
Samoa 49, Namibia 12 in Rotorua (World Cup, Pool D)
Briefly Another exciting game. Canada and Tonga really turned on the rugby at Whangarei. Tonga seemed to lack the drive and power they showed last Friday when they played the All Blacks. Canada were better organised and their stand-out player Adam Kleeberger always in the thick of play causing headaches for the Tongans. This was an excellent win for Canada.
The Scotland-Georgia game was a bore. What a pity. Georgia played to their strength, fair enough. They are a fearsome forward outfit and will be capable of matching it with any other team up front. But it does not lead to crowd-pleasing back play. Scotland were simply dreadful and they will struggle against England and Argentina. Their performances so far are not encouraging.
In another good game of rugby Samoa were too good for Namibia as was expected. But I was impressed with the determination and passion the Namibians displayed throughout. They scored their second try with only 14 players on the field. Brave and mighty rugby!
Next Today USA play Russia in New Plymouth.
On Friday the All Blacks face Japan without Dan Carter.

WORLD CUP RUGBY: Samoa v Namibia in Rotorua

14.09.2011
Venue: Rotorua International Stadium
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Preview Just how tough are the Samoans? I would put them ahead of the Fijians as far as physicality goes although on recent form Samoa are ahead, slightly, of Fiji. This is about the only measure one has when it comes to analysing these two teams.

Samoa has a proud rugby tradition. New Zealand
has a huge Samoan population who will be out
in force to support their team.
Samoa has a proud record this season. They defeated Australia back in July, surely one of the highlights of their international test record. They are an imposing presence on the field. The Namibians will have to up their game from how they played against Fiji, to contain these fierce island players.
Previous Encounter 12.07.2003 Samoa 40-17 in Windhoek
2011 World Cup So Far This is Samoa’s first game
Namibia 10.09.2011 v Fiji L 25-49 in Rotorua
GWC Rugby Rankings World Table-Samoa 9th, Namibia 20th
IRB Ranking Points Samoa 74.55, Namibia 51.24
Prediction: Samoa by 39
Teams

Samoa 15 Paul Williams, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesani Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Faasavalu, 6 Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, Capt. 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements
16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Census Johnston, 18 Joe Tekori, 19 Ofisa Treviranus, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, 22 Tasesa Lavea.
Head Coach: Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua

Namibia 15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Danie Dames, 13 Danie van Wyk, 12 Piet van Zyl, 11 Llewellyn Winkler, 10 Theuns Kotze, 9 Eugene Jantjies, 8 Pieter Jan van Lill, 7 Jacques Burger, Capt. 6 Jacques Nieuwenhuis; 5 Henk Franken, 4 Heinz Koll, 3 Raoul Larson, 2 Hugo Horn, 1 Johnnie Redelinghuys.
Replacements
16 Bertus O'Callaghan, 17 Jane du Toit, 18 Nico Esterhuyse, 19 Rohan Kitshoff, 20 Ryan de la Harpe, 21 Darryl de la Harpe, 22 TC Losper.
Head Coach: Johan Diergaardt

RUGBY WORLD CUP RESULTS: Sunday 11 Sept.

11.09.2011
South Africa 17, Wales 16 in Wellington (World Cup, Pool D)
Australia 32, Italy 6 in Albany (World Cup, Pool C)
Ireland 22, United States 10 in New Plymouth (World Cup, Pool C)

BrieflyJust how much excitement can we take! I watched the SA v Wales game on TV last night after coming in from the Australia-Italy game. I watched the SA-Wales game live here on Maori TV with my ma-in-law. She NEVER watches the rugby but boy did we get excited watching this game. It was well past her bed-time when the game ended but we were both carrying on willing the Welsh (sorry SA supporters) underdogs to win. A win to Wales would have thrown this already open pool into wide-open status. Alas, South Africa dug deep into their reserves and with fresh replacement legs they scored an excellent try to win the game. After the game I was so tired I just went to bed!

I saw the Australia-Italy game. The match didn't quite have the same passion as the France-Japan game yesterday. The Italians in the crowd were certainly passionate and the New Zealanders certainly supported them. I have found the NZ crowds will support ANY team playing South Africa, Australia and England, especially the Australians. When it comes to rugby no love lost!

Australia deserved to win. They weren't brilliant but then neither were the Italians. Italy did well to be level 6-6 at halftime but the Australians wore them down in the second half to run away with the game. The main difference was in the backline. The Australians were just too slick. The Australian forward pack has certainly matured in the last year as I thought they held, and at times dominated, in the forwards. The Italian backs were too pedestrian, too predictable. Boy do they really need players with some skill and flare to compliment their forwards.

The other game yesterday, USA v Ireland, I didn't see but I understand the USA did well, gave the Irish a bit of a fright and commanded respect. This is what we have seen so far. Minor nations giving biff to teams well above their own ranking. Namibia commanded respect when they played Fiji on Saturday.

RUGBY WORLD CUP RESULTS: Saturday 10 September

10.09.2011
England 13, Argentina 9 in Dunedin (World Cup, Pool B)

Scotland 34 - 24 Romania in Invercargill (World Cup, Pool B)
France 47 - 21 Japan in Albany (World Cup, Pool A) Fiji 49 - 25 Namibia in Rotorua (World Cup, Pool D) Briefly England came back from 3-9 down to edge past a determined Argentina in the second half. All the goal kickers left their kicking boots behind. Poor goal kicking nearly lost England the game. Jonny Wilkinson had a shocker. The scene has now been set. Expect the unexpected at ths World Cup. Romania very nearly created the first major upset when it led Scotland with ten minutes to go. A penalty and two tries from Scotland winger Simon Danielli saved the day for Scotland. But what a game from Romania. I was at the France-Japan game. What a performance by Japan! They came within 4 points of France mid way through the second half. They missed a certain try at this stage and that try could well have turned the game completely Japan's way. France made replacements and scored some late tries against a tiring Japanese side. The spectacle was just fantastic. Catch my pics on the other posting. Vereniki Goneva was Fiji's hero as he scored 4 out of their 6 tries in a high-scoring win over Namibia in what has been described as a thrilling match. The Namibians put up a good fight against the Fijians. Here is another example of a minnow playing with passion and pride at the special event. This is what World Cup rugby is all about.

2011 Rugby World Cup: The Pools-The Examination-Pool D

Over the next four days I will examine each pool at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and examine how each team stands at present and what might happen with that team between now and the Rugby World Cup, plus a possible outcome of results.

Pool D
South Africa
Wales
Fiji
Samoa
Namibia

The Certainties
On the face of it there can be two certainties. Firstly, South Africa will qualify for the quarter finals, and secondly, Namibia won't. Which leaves a mouth-watering situation in which Wales, Fiji and Samoa will slug it out for that quarter final spot.

South Africa
A degree of uncertainty has lingered over the 2007 Rugby World Cup champion since those heady days in which South Africa placed itself at the top of world international test rugby.

South Africa has lurched from Tri Nations winner in 2009 to Tri Nations wooden spoon in 2010. On their November European tour last year they went from losing to Scotland ( a week after New Zealand buried the Scots 49-3) to defeating England 21-11 squashing somewhat England's surge in form and optimism. Given the huge injury toll which meant a number of rookies made the tour, the tour record wasn't bad. But oh that game against Scotland.

On top of that South Africa has a coach equally unpredictable. Not popular amongst Springbox fans, De Villers retained his job after an investigation and position review by South Africa rugby. He will take the team to the Rugby World Cup. The fans will be counting on the return of some old hands to shore up the cracks and take the team to Rugby World Cup glory.

South Africa has a shortened Tri Nations tournament and some warm-up games to blend back in the old hands with some promising new rookies just in time to take on the world in New Zealand.

Namibia
Although they won't get past the pool stage of the tournament, Namibia may well cause a worry or two against Wales, Fiji and Samoa. In the past they've been cannon fodder for higher classed sides but they displayed some improvement at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Recent form has been up and down. Up, when they took out the IRB Nations Cup in Bucharest putting Romania and a below-strength Georgia to the sword. Down, when on their November tour they lost to Portugal and Spain who are below then on IRB and GWC rankings. There were excuses for the Namibian players as the tour was not a certainty until the last minute for financial reasons and not all top players were available.

Add to that the IRB are investigating the Namibian organisational structure after an internal spat which has sapped the moral of this fiercely proud rugby nation. With the organisation of Namibian rugby settled soon the players and administrators can focus on a huge task ahead. They won't win a game but I'm hoping they can continue to gain respect from the rugby community.

Namibia will be hoping that the 2011 Africa Cup wont be the disaster it was in 2010 in which both Namibia's pool stage was cancelled along with the finals. Namibia will need those tests along with some warm-up games to pull the team together. And lets hope the administration gets sorted.

Wales
Wales will need to defeat South Africa if they are to have a solid chance of making the quarter finals. I can't see that happening so Welsh fans will have to hope that history wont repeat itself. Wales has a habit of dropping crucial matches in the Pool stages, setbacks that has cost dearly.

In 2007 Fiji dumped the Welsh in a magnificent game of rugby that I use to show non believers just what this game is about. The result cost Wales a quarter final spot. In 1999 it was Samoa who bounced the Welsh, and in Cardiff mind you, but Wales made the quarters. Samoa also crunched the Welsh in 1991 (Cardiff again). Food for thought.

Wales displayed enough strength up front and skill in the backs to give New Zealand a bit of a fright in their November clash in Cardiff. This was promising as Wales has been on the brink of becoming a very good side despite some ups and downs during 2009-2010. In New Zealand their flowing back play will win fans but that style may come unstuck against both Fiji and Samoa who simply live to crunch darting, swerving fancy backs. I can't wait!

Wales will have the Six Nations as their first preparations. A better than good showing will be expected if they'll be taken seriously in New Zealand.

Fiji
If/when Fiji is able to put its strongest combination together they can play like they did against Wales in 2007. They can be a very difficult side to play against at their best because of the natural unorthodox way they play. The Rugby World Cup is about the only time the Pacific Island nations get all their top players together because European clubs, who most of the Islanders play for, simply must release players. In addition, its at Rugby World Cup time that the likes of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga have their top players for a decent length of time to build combinations.

So Fiji does well at Rugby World Cups. Or do they? Sadly the Pacific Island nations just do not have the depth to last a full Rugby World Cup tournament in which you are as good as your second side. This is where it becomes unravelled for the teams below the top ranked. Still, Fiji has made the quarter finals before (2007 and 1999) and could well do so again in New Zealand.

Fiji's record for 2010 was up and down. Up when they defeated Japan with virtually their second side at the Pacific Nations Cup and then down when Samoa defeated them convincingly at the same tournament. Up again when they drew with a dreadful Welsh effort in Cardiff ('Here we go again", I though I heard the Welsh crowd singing at Cardiff) and then down when they dropped the game against Italy.

Fiji will need to be convincing winners of the 2011 Pacific Nations Cup to go into the World Cup Finals confident of making the Quarter finals again, and put both Wales and Samoa to the sword.

Samoa
One might as well repeat the first two paragraphs of what I wrote about Fiji and just insert 'Samoa'. Because the Samoans are in exactly the same situation.

Samoa's record in 2010 was reasonably good. They took out the Pacific Nations Cup for the first time defeating both Japan and Fiji. They toured Europe in November with a strong side somewhat short of training time. They pushed Ireland, England and Scotland enough to suggest that at the Rugby World Cup they will be a threat to Fiji and Wales and will push both for that quarter final spot.

Predictions
South Africa plus any one of Wales, Fiji or Samoa to make the quarter finals. I'll go for Samoa.